As an independent, community-owned organisation, Deepview will be independent legal entity. Working with so many stakeholders in a collective, co-operative manner is essential, but it requires an appropriate legal framework that is neither too onerous in its obligations and responsibilities, nor too limiting in its powers.

Some of the many questions to be answered, include:-

• How do people join?
• How do people participate?
• How are decisions made?
• How are votes weighted?
• How are shares if any) allocated?
• How is the structure affected by tax (liabilities vs benefits)
• How easy would it be to raise finance from members or from the public (if required)?
• How are early founding members differentiated from later members (if at all)?
• How are assets controlled?
• What happens to the assets in the event of bankruptcy/dissolution/liquidation?
• Where does 'the buck' stop (including administrative, community, legal and other responsibilities, libailities and obligations)?

According to the International Cooperative Alliance, a co-operative is "an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned and democratically-controlled enterprise".

Not only are there a number of types of co-operative structure (workers co-op, community co-op, multi-stakeholder co-op, Fair Shares co-op, etc) but also, there are, other frameworks (including Charity, CIO, CIS, Social Enterprise, BCorp), which could be used to meet the above definition of a co-operative.

Notwithstanding the many options, we believe that a multi-stakeholder (or Fair Shares) co-operative framework could be the ideal basis for Deepview. In addition to the benefit of providing a clear and transparent identification of our values and ethos, a key attraction of Deepview formally registering as aco-operative is the fact that it would become part of a socially and politically motivated (rather than financially motivated ) historic movement to challenge social inequality by helping to democratise labour and distribute wealth. With its 200 year international pedigree, there is a lot to learn from the challenges and experiences of the co-operative movement. To be a successful part of that community would be a real privilege.

However, before any final decision can be made, further consultation are required. In addition to ongoing legal clarifications, we will be drawing on the membership - especially the initial members and partners - to help shape and finalise the adopted framework .

If you would like to be invited to particpate or have experiences and suggestions that you would like to share, please feel free to comment below.